A suburb nestled in Melbourne, Carrum holds stories waiting to be told. Carrum is located 33 km south-east of Melbourne’s Central Business District. It recorded a population of 4,239 at the 2021 census.
The tale of Carrum begins long ago. The suburb sits on what was once part of the Carrum Carrum Swamp. Imagine a vast, sprawling wetland. The Carrum Carrum Swamp dominated the landscape.
In 1879, a significant change occurred. The Patterson Cut was created to drain the Carrum Carrum Swamp. This project and other drainage efforts aimed to prevent flooding from the Eumemmering Creek. Before the Patterson Cut, the swamp’s opening to the sea was limited. Heavy rains often led to flooding, impacting properties as far north as Edithvale. Today, only remnants of the Carrum Carrum Swamp exist. These remnants form the Ramsar-listed Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands.
Carrum once boasted a proud horse-racing tradition. Stables dotted Valetta Street and Tennyson Street. Robbie Laing was one of the notable trainers. He is still training Stars of Carrum.
The Carrum railway station plays a vital role in Carrum’s story. The Carrum railway station opened in 1882. It was the first railway station between Mordialloc and Frankston. Carrum Post Office followed on 1 February 1886.
Carrum’s community spirit shines through its clubs. In 1924, the Carrum Bowling Club was founded. The Carrum Surf Life Saving Club emerged in 1925. The Patterson River Motor Boat Club was founded in 1946. It was at the original site of the Carrum Life Saving Club. The Carrum Sailing Club was then founded in 1966.
Let’s turn our attention to sports. The Carrum Cricket Club, established in 1978, has a rich history. Their home ground is in the heart of Carrum on Graham Road. The club has won 16 senior Premierships.
The Carrum Football Club had a proud history too. It spanned from 1911 until 1996. Though it folded due to financial issues. The Carrum Lions’ original colors were blue and gold.
Carrum is also serviced by a government primary school. It’s Carrum Primary School, operating within Carrum. Patterson River Secondary College operates from Seaford.
Since 2014, Carrum has been represented by Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny. Carrum falls within the Federal lower house Electorate of Isaacs. Mark Dreyfus has held the seat since 2007.
Radio Carrum is a Community Internet Radio Station. It broadcasts diverse programs centered around the Carrum area.
The Carrum railway station saw significant changes. The Carrum railway station was rebuilt as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project. A new elevated rail line and station opened on 17 February 2020.
Carrum continues to evolve while cherishing its past.